Ira Khan, daughter of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and his first wife Reena Datta, has always been candid about her journey with mental health. In a recent conversation with actor Ahsaas Channa, Ira opened up about how therapy played a crucial role in improving her relationship with her parents and navigating the complexities of parent-child dynamics.
Reflecting on her experience with depression, Ira highlighted the parallels between working on romantic relationships and familial bonds:
“During my depression, I learned things I wish I had known earlier. Like any relationship, you need to build and work on your relationship with your parents too. No one tells you that.”
Ira spoke about how therapy helped her shift her perspective on viewing parents solely as caregivers:
“At some point, you’re supposed to stop seeing your parents as just parents and see them as individuals. That transition often doesn’t happen, leading to misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations.”
Getting to know parents as individuals
She recalled a significant moment in therapy:
“My therapist asked, ‘What are your parents like?’ and I realised I didn’t know them as people, only as my parents. How can you build a relationship if you don’t know someone beyond their role as your parent?”
Ira also acknowledged her parents’ efforts, sharing that despite their divorce in 2022, they have been supportive of her mental health journey. Aamir Khan even participated in joint therapy sessions with her, as revealed in a Netflix India video.
Ira highlighted the societal reluctance to discuss emotional well-being within families:
“These conversations are rarely had, which complicates parent-child relationships. Parents will make mistakes and unintentionally baby you, but they are just people too.”
Ira has often credited therapy as a transformative experience, strengthening her bond with her parents and fostering a deeper understanding of their individuality. Her openness continues to shed light on the importance of emotional health and familial communication in Indian households.